A Time to be Thankful ~ Day 18 Uncle Gobel Jr.

My Family - Uncle Gobel Jr.

Last year I wrote a blog entry about my Uncle Gobel Jr.  He is the oldest brother on my Dad's side.  He has always been so special to me.  I am so very thankful that I get to visit him each time I go to KY.  I wish our visits were longer or that I could see him every day.  

Uncle Gobel and Me on the Skylift

Because he is stuck in a nursing home, I feel so blessed that I am able to take him out for the day.  This past summer we went to the Natural Bridge State Park with my mom and Aunt Minerva, his sister.  My Uncle Jr. was able to ride the sky lift with me and walk across the Natural Bridge. He really enjoyed the trip, especially the buffet of food at the Natural Bridge diner.  It makes me happy that he can escape the dreariness of the nursing home.  He doesn't have the best of health but he seems to be one of the healthiest and mentally stable one of all the people of the nursing home.

Look up the words humble and selflessness in the dictionary and you are liable to see a picture of my Uncle Gobel Jr. in there. I have always been drawn to his passive and gentle nature. He has a quality that cannot be duplicated or imagined. One of my earliest memories was seeing him working and digging tators in the hot sun on his Uncle George's farm. I ran to help him because he looked like he was working so hard.  

He may seem like a man of little words and experience but this wasn't always the case. He use to work and party with his aunt Dora Campbell and her brother General Lee when they lived in Chicago. My dad and his other older brothers soon followed in Uncle Gobel's footsteps. They moved to find work there as well. My uncles enjoyed partying as well on their days off but then, kids came along! 

One to rarely ever say no, it was then that Uncle Jr. became the "designated" babysitter a lot of the times! I can't imagine what my cousin Alonzo and I must have put him through. He wouldn't even stomp a bug so there's no way he would ever scold or spank us.

Uncle Gobel Jr., Great Aunt Laura, & Great Uncle George

A year or so later my dad's Uncle George ("Do-I") got sick and was unable to take care of the farm. Being the "single" one, Uncle Jr. agreed to move back to KY and help out on the farm on Fugate's Fork. What was to be a "temporary" stay, turned into over 10 years of Uncle Jr. working as a farmhand for his Uncle George, George's sister, Laura, and her husband, Garvey. He never married, never had children, or got another job after that. His life was surrounded by the duties on the farm until Uncle George's passing in 1985. It wasn't until then when he moved off the farm and eventually got his own place.

His life is a real example of selflessness. From him, I have also seen how giving and caring too much (co-dependent) can also be a curse at times. My Uncle Jr. is a smart man, full of kindness and good heart. He loved his family, the farm, and he loved my daddy very much. 

Uncle Gobel Jr.

His generosity is still there as he helps the nurses in the nursing home with the other patients. :-) No matter what, I know his heart belongs to Fugate's Fork and his family. It brings joy and brightens his heart each time he goes back there, just as it does mine. 

Taking Uncle Jr. to Natural Bridge had been a dream of mine.  I am hoping next summer that we can go to Buckhorn Lake, rent a boat, and take him fishing.  I really love and am thankful for the the memories made with my Uncle Jr.  Be thankful and appreciate those in the nursing homes and those special to your heart.

A Time to be Thankful - Day 17 Children

OK...honestly...I am writing this blog to show off these pictures of the kids so dear to my heart.  Unfortunately I don't have kids of my own yet but I pray that God will bless me one day.  I might need to be reminded of that statement once I have a teenager.  For now I am so thankful that my dear cousins have been blessed with these little ones. I don't get to see them often but thanks to Facebook I get to watch them grow up online.  When I do see them, I can't hug them enough.

Jacob and Katy, March 2012

Despite the trouble they get into, the sleepless nights, and the worry of their health, children really do change our lives.  Our world is never the same. We can't imagine what life was like before without them.  We would risk our own life for them.  We would give them the world if we could afford it.  Their tears make our hearts break.  Their laughter makes our hearts jump for joy and our fear is to never be apart from them.  They truly are God's gift to us.

When Jacob entered my cousin Alonzo and his wife Lisa's life, I cried many happy tears.  I couldn't imagine Alonzo being a dad.  But when I see him in action, I can't imagine a better dad other than my own.  Perhaps that is why he is an awesome teacher and the kids love him so much.  Or perhaps it is because my love for Alonzo couldn't be any greater than if I had a brother of my own.  Seeing the love he and Lisa have for Jacob warms my heart.  

Since I am only child and have no children of my own, I could never imagine what it would be like as an aunt or a mother.  Yet when Jacob entered our lives, everything changed for the better.  Just seeing him makes me giggle and I wish I could hug him every day! Ironically, our cousin Christianne had Katy around the same time.  I don't know why but seeing Jacob and Katy play together brings tears of joy.  It reminds me of my childhood with Alonzo.  I am grateful that they get to grow together.

Christy's Angels: Timothy and Amber, May 2012

My cousins Christy Michelle and Jennifer are two wonderful mothers.  It is strange to remember them as children and now see them as mothers.  Time really flies! I never doubted that they would turn into awesome moms though, they were the "bossy" ones as children.  LOL!  When they were little, they both took control of the situation like moms when they played with other kids.  Of course their kids are "angels"! :) I am soooo proud to say they really are great Moms!

Jennifer's Angels: Shelby and Sydney, Nov. 2012

My prayers are with these and other kids daily. I keep their parents and families in my thoughts and prayers.  My biggest wish would be to have children of my own.  Regardless of God's plans, I am Grateful that my family and I have been blessed with these children.

Recently a daughter of one of my dear friends was hit by a car while waiting at the bus stop.  Sadly, this 11 year old girl is fighting for her life.  The fear and stress this mom and dad is enduring is heartbreaking.  How strange that one small moment can forever change lives for the good and the bad.   

This is a reminder to Enjoy and Thank God for every moment you spend with the children in your Life.

Keep Payge and her family in your prayers. 

   

A Time to be Thankful - Day 16 Laughter & Uncle Wayne

When I think of laughter, I think of Uncle Wayne.  He is always able to make me laugh. I believe he could be a comedian.  Like many of us in our family, he just has that natural ability to bring a smile and laughter to anyone.

Many theorists say laughter is good medicine. We can relax and get more focused. Watching something funny or remembering good memories can lift our spirits.  Our minds become regenerated. 

Uncle Wayne & Buster, Thanksgiving Day

In 1998, my Grandpa endured many health struggles.  There were many times when we didn't think he wouldn't last another day.  On one occasion he was in ICU because he had fallen outside the night before.  No one found him until the next day.  He had spent the entire night outside.  We were scared that morning wondering if my Grandpa would even awake.  Somehow my Uncle Wayne who didn't mean to be annoying, woke my Grandpa up. Needless to say, Grandpa was very irritated and grumpy.  We all laughed a sign of relief. Uncle Wayne is the one who kept my Grandpa going for so long.  He could make Grandpa laugh or irritate him until he did laugh.

When I am having a bad day or going through rough times, I enjoy being with people who can make me laugh.  They are able to get my mind off of things as we joke and gossip.

No matter what struggles we have been through, my Uncle Wayne has always been there.  I am grateful that we live so close that we can spend the weekends and holidays together.  Having him around makes me less homesick for KY. I am grateful that I will spending Thanksgiving with him this year.  No matter the struggle, always find joy and humor in life.  Laughter makes you live longer. :)